NCUF Recognizes CU Charity Partnership

WASHINGTON — The National Credit Union Foundation has recognized a program presented jointly by the $156 million Prospera Credit Union, headquartered in Appleton, Wis., and charity Goodwill Industries with the Herb Wegner Outstanding Program award. The program, called GoodMoney, offers an alternative to payday loans and check cashing services from the inside of a Goodwill Industries store. The GoodMoney program also offers money orders and bill payment services, wire transfer services overseas, and referrals for financial counseling and education. The award is the first of three that the NCUF makes each year. The other two recognize achievement and accomplishment by individuals. As is sometimes the case, the NCUF was a contributor to the GoodMoney program, making a grant of $75,000 in early 2006. Even though the Wegner is primarily for recognition, award-winning programs often use the award to leverage more support from other sources, according to NCUF Deputy Director Steve Bosack. Prospera has been working with the Foundation to help facilitate the attendance of policy and decision makers from Wisconsin at the Wegner awards dinner next February.